TGSRTC bus stolen in Korutla, caught after 18-km highway chase in Jagtial
Synopsis
A stolen TGSRTC bus, an 18-kilometre highway chase, three injured riders, and a thief who rammed into a tree rather than surrender — Korutla's Tuesday incident is the second bus theft at a Telangana state transport stand in under two weeks, raising serious questions about security at TGSRTC facilities.
Key Takeaways
A TGSRTC bus was stolen from Korutla bus stand in Jagtial district on 22 July .
Police chased the vehicle for 18 kilometres before blocking the highway and apprehending the thief.
The stolen bus struck three two-wheelers , injuring riders, and also hit a police vehicle during the chase.
Students in Metpalli town had a narrow escape as the bus sped past dangerously.
This is the second TGSRTC bus theft in Telangana in July 2025 ; the previous incident on 9 July in Jangaon involved a 21-kilometre joyride by a man identified as Venkanna .
The motive of the 22 July suspect had not been established as of Tuesday evening, according to police.
A Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus was stolen from the Korutla bus stand in Jagtial district on Tuesday, 22 July, triggering an 18-kilometre high-speed chase before police intercepted the vehicle by blocking the highway. The thief injured three two-wheeler riders during the chase and also struck a police vehicle before being apprehended.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to TGSRTC employees, an unidentified man entered a bus parked at the Korutla TGSRTC bus stand and drove it away in the direction of Nizamabad. RTC staff immediately alerted police, and a joint chase involving police vehicles and RTC personnel began, reportedly causing panic among motorists on the highway.
During the chase, the stolen bus struck three two-wheelers at different points along the route, injuring the riders. The bus also collided with a police vehicle, causing minor damage. According to eyewitnesses, students boarding a private bus in Metpalli town had a narrow escape when the stolen bus sped dangerously close to them.
How Police Stopped the Bus
Officers chasing the bus radioed ahead to staff at Ibrahimpatnam Police Station, who parked vehicles across the highway to form a blockade. Finding no escape route, the thief rammed the bus into a roadside tree and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by pursuing officers.
Police were questioning the man as of Tuesday evening; his motive had not been established, according to officials.
Second Such Incident in Telangana This Month
This is the second TGSRTC bus theft reported in the state within July 2025. On 9 July, a TGSRTC-hired bus was stolen from the Jangaon bus stand area. In that case, the thief — identified as Venkanna — drove the vehicle 21 kilometres before losing control at the Singarajpalle Toll Plaza and hitting a roadside divider.
Venkanna reportedly told police that after an argument at home, he consumed alcohol and went to Jangaon Railway Station intending to travel to Tirupati. Finding no trains available at night, he walked to the bus stand, boarded a parked bus, fell asleep, and on waking discovered the keys still in the ignition — after which he drove the bus away.
What Happens Next
Police have not yet ruled out whether the two incidents are linked or represent a broader pattern of opportunistic theft at TGSRTC facilities. The back-to-back incidents are likely to prompt a review of security protocols at bus stands across the state, particularly regarding unattended vehicles with keys left inside.
Point of View
Not a coincidence. In both cases, the vehicle was parked at a state transport bus stand with keys accessible — an elementary security failure. The Jangaon thief was intoxicated and stumbled into the bus by accident; the Korutla suspect's motive is still unknown, which is arguably more concerning. TGSRTC operates hundreds of bus stands across Telangana, and if unattended buses with keys in the ignition are the norm rather than the exception, the corporation is one opportunistic actor away from a far more serious incident than a highway chase.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Korutla TGSRTC bus stand on 22 July?
An unidentified man stole a TGSRTC bus parked at the Korutla bus stand in Jagtial district and drove it towards Nizamabad. Police chased the bus for 18 kilometres before blocking the highway, forcing the thief to ram the bus into a tree; he was subsequently arrested.
Were any people injured during the bus chase?
Yes, three two-wheeler riders were injured when the stolen bus struck their vehicles at different points during the chase. The bus also collided with a police vehicle, causing minor damage, and students in Metpalli town reportedly had a narrow escape.
What was the thief's motive in the Korutla bus theft?
Police had not established the motive as of Tuesday evening and were questioning the suspect. No official statement on motive had been issued at the time of reporting.
Is this the first time a TGSRTC bus has been stolen in Telangana?
No. This is the second such incident in July 2025 alone. On 9 July, a TGSRTC-hired bus was stolen from the Jangaon bus stand; the thief, identified as Venkanna, drove it 21 kilometres before losing control at the Singarajpalle Toll Plaza.
How did the Jangaon bus theft in July 2025 occur?
According to police, Venkanna went to Jangaon Railway Station after an argument at home and, finding no trains to Tirupati, went to the bus stand, boarded a parked bus, fell asleep, and drove it away after waking and finding the keys inside. He was caught after the bus hit a divider at the Singarajpalle Toll Plaza.
